Good sleep is a vital part of one’s health, productivity, and general well-being. Nevertheless, there are numerous individuals who find it difficult to sleep comfortably when the weather is hot, especially in countries with moderate climates where houses are not designed for mechanical cooling. The influence of bedrooms on sleep is often underestimated in residential design; however, they have a direct impact on sleep quality.As heatwaves continue to become more frequent as a result of climate change, the demand for better bedroom designs is getting higher and higher. Elevated temperatures at night can make it very hard for the body to cool down in a natural way; thus, the sleep cycle gets interrupted, which causes tiredness, bad temper, and lower performance during the next day.Making rooms cooler and ventilated and responding to the climate is at present a must for living a healthier life, according to research published on Science Direct.
Why bedroom environment matters for sleep
People sleep for almost one-third of their lives, mostly in bedrooms at their homes. For a healthy sleep, the bedroom should have comfortable levels of temperature, ventilation, light, and noise. Contemporary housing construction in the UK and Europe is geared towards high insulation to minimise heat loss in winter. Thus, while this measure is good for energy efficiency, it also increases the chances of homes getting overheated in the summer.The summer of 2022 was a case in point when temperatures soared to record highs and a large number of households complained of sleepless nights. In fact, the heatwaves were short-lived, only lasting a few days, but they were indicative of the mounting problem of how to keep bedrooms cool in a warming climate.
Bedroom environmental quality and thermal comfort
Indoor environmental quality basically covers air quality, ventilation, humidity, light, and sound. These are all factors that influence sleep and yet most built environment research has only focused on air quality. Interestingly, thermal comfort during sleep has received very little attention, even though slight temperature changes can impact sleep patterns.When indoor temperatures go beyond the comfort thresholds, overheating becomes a serious problem. High-density housing, in particular, newly built developments with large glazed areas, is often found to be chronically overheating. Residents might be reluctant to open windows at night to let in fresh air because they are worried about noise or security; hence, cooling at night is further limited.Light and sound are equally important. Thick curtains can block light, but at the same time, they can also limit the flow of air. Additionally, an open window lets in fresh air, but at the same time, it will bring noise from traffic or nearby buildings. Finding a balance between these factors is a big challenge for both designers and occupants.
Occupant factors and perceived safety
Sleep quality is affected by the same factors: age, health, stress, lifestyle, and a person’s tolerance to temperature extremes. Older adults, children and people with medical conditions are more susceptible to negative effects of high nighttime temperatures. The sense of safety is the next factor that has been largely forgotten. As people feel most vulnerable when they sleep, a lot of them do not dare to open windows or balcony doors at night. This leads to a reduction in airflow and an increase in heat accumulation. Even though some building regulations recommend automated windows for cooling, residents may think that these options lower their security.Strategies for prevention and mitigationPrevention in new homesIt is crucial to have designs for houses that take into consideration the problem of overheating. Some of the prevention measures are:
- locating bedrooms at the cool side of the house
- making cross ventilation possible
- increasing the size and functionality of the room
- not allowing too much glazing in the bedrooms
- applying passive cooling concepts
Further housing projects must take into account the orientation of the site and the climate change adaptation features. Using air conditioning as the sole solution is not a viable option due to the high energy consumption and the negative effects on the environment.Mitigation in existing homesResidents can take steps to improve comfort in their current bedrooms. These include:
- installing external shutters
- using thermal blinds or curtains
- improving ventilation patterns
- adding reflective films to windows
- using portable air filters that offer a mild cooling effect
However, these measures depend on affordability and personal choice. Not all occupants can afford home modifications, especially in rented or low-income households.Adaptation by residentsPeople can adapt in simple ways, such as:
- changing bedding and sleepwear
- temporarily moving to a cooler room
- using fans or natural ventilation whenever possible
- shifting the bed position if space allows
These adaptations help but do not solve the root problem, which is poor bedroom design.
Climate change and public health implications
Heatwaves will become longer and more powerful as the global temperatures keep rising. As more households will be using air conditioning without any intervention, it will result in a cycle of energy consumption that will contribute to further warming. Poor sleep resulting from overheated bedrooms may cause serious health risks. It can increase the load on health services and decrease productivity. The architects of the future should focus on making bedrooms thermally resilient so that the number of people dying from heatwaves can be reduced and public health supported in general. The design of the bedroom is very important for the quality of sleep, particularly in a warming climate. The shortage of environmental data in sleep research currently limits the capability of designers to create comfortable and resilient bedrooms. Subsequent research should consider the measurements of the indoor environment during sleep, especially during times of extreme heat. Houses must be built in such a way that they can keep the bedrooms at a comfortable temperature without the need for mechanical cooling. This requires, among other things, careful consideration of the size, layout, and orientation of the room, as well as ventilation and shading. If societies prioritise sleep quality in building regulations and planning decisions, they will be able to make residents stay healthy, comfortable, and resilient in a changing climate.
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